CityView Magazine

38 | Februar y 2020 didn't hurt that the dishes looked mouth-watering good. Askharon believes his timing couldn't be better, given that the Mediterranean diet is showing up in various studies as tops in the healthy category, and not just for our hearts but for our waistlines, too. e self-taught chef is influenced by dishes from his native Egypt, plus other countries, including Greece, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Syria. He began cooking at age 14, when he would test dishes on family members, to get honest reactions. ose dishes ranged from appetizers for sharing, called mezze, to traditional desserts, such as honey-rich walnut or pistachio baklava. But his interest in cooking peaked while he was serving with the U.S. Army Special Operations Forces as a language translator and instructor. He would try out different marinades and meats on his comrades – and then finetune his techniques. e Pharoahs Legacy experience speaks of Askharon's attention to detail and, as his staff echoes, "He's a perfectionist." On a recent Wednesday, the lunchtime crowd was multicultural, multi- generational and happy. Egyptian music played in the background. Michelle Smith and her husband, Tracy, were enjoying a noontime date. He had the lamb gyro (pronounced yee-row), and she was nibbling on a platter dubbed the King Tut, featuring chargrilled beef, chicken and lamb kebobs served over basmati saffron rice, with grilled onions, tomatoes and green bell peppers, topped with house-made tahini sauce; and pita bread for scooping. Both gave the thumbs-up and promised to return. Double that order. • The place: Pharoahs Legacy, 3010 Traemoor Village Drive, Suite 100, Western Cumberland County (near Jack Britt High School). • Specialties: Mediterranean cuisine, including favorites such as hummus, gyros, beef, lamb or chicken kebobs, the Greek lamb burger, and baklava. Arabic or Turkish coffee also is served. • Prices: Moderate. Entrees $8 to $30. • Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. • Reservations: Accepted. Call 910-835-5472. Children's menu available. Also, catering services. Ronnie Askharon's latest creation, Pharoahs Legacy, is an upscale restaurant, complete with authentic Egyptian art, a happening bar and a well-chosen wine list.

• Cover